Chapter 21 If Heaven Was A Tear, It Be My Last One, And You'd Be In My Arms Again.
Obi-Wan sat in his room dressed in his best tunic and robe. He was ready to go say good bye to his first and possibly last love. Ready physically, but not mentally.
A soft knock sounded on the door, and the voice of his Master said, "Obi-Wan, there is a call coming through for you, it is from quite a distance."
Obi-Wan got off his bed, and went to the com unit in the living area. He knew it could only be Bruck. He needed his friend right now, and he wished he was not away on a mission.
Qui-Gon touched his shoulder gently as Obi-Wan sat in front of the com unit. He then left the apprentice alone to take his call in peace.
Bruck's face came on. It was full of disbelief and worry, "Obi-Wan, Oh force, I am so sorry, are you all right?"
Obi-Wan shrugged, "If I said yes, you would know I was lying. Maybe someday I will be, but not now.Its just...hard."
Wanting to comfort his friend, Bruck said, "I know. I miss her too. We are all going to be here for you."
Nodding, Obi-Wan replied, "I know, and thank you. I don't know what I would have done without you these past few months. You are my best friend."
Bruck answered, "And you're mine. The force blessed me when it gave me you as a friend." The other padawan then glanced at his chrono, "I have to go and meet Master Dar at the negotiations. Give An-Paj my best, Obi-Wan. And take care of yourself. May the force be with you."
Obi-Wan said, "You do the same, Bruck. May the force be with you."
With that, the screen went black. Obi-Wan sat staring at it a long time. Bruck would come back, wouldn't he? Obi-Wan did not have time to think about it, because Qui-Gon came in and said, "Obi-Wan, it is time to go, Padawan."
Obi-Wan stood, and side by side, he andQui-Gon started towards the chapel where the funeral would take place.
Many were in attendance for Klea's funeral. Masters, knights, padawans, initiates, and even some of the youngest children from the crèche. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon stood in the front, to their right, was An-Paj. Who was the epitome of Jedi calm. Obi-Wan briefly wondered how he could be so calm.
The young padawan was grateful for his hood, which concealed his face. He stood as close to Qui-Gon as possible, without looking as though he was weak. He did not care as tears rolled down his face.
The funeral pyre was lit, and flames engulfed Klea. Obi-Wan kept his eyes on her beautiful features, and her long hair. Which disappeared all too soon?
And all too soon, all the remained of Obi-Wan Kenobi's first love was ashes. Obi-Wan closed his eyes as the white doves were released. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder, and his master led him away.
Before they left, Obi-Wan stopped to speak to An-Paj. "Master An-Paj, I am sorry for your loss."
Giving the padawan in front of him a weak smile, An-Paj responded, "Thank you, Obi-Wan. I am sorry for you loss as well." The confusion on Obi-Wan's face compelled An-Paj to continue. "You were an important part of Klea's life. And even though she is gone, we will carry her in our hearts. Her decision was force driven. I will have to trust in it. I know she is happy where she is."
Obi-Wan bit his lip, and not trusting himself to say anything, he just nodded.
Coming up behind him, Qui-Gon said. "Come, Obi-Wan, let's go home."
Obi-Wan did not look back as he turned away from the funeral pyre and closed that chapter of his life. An-Paj was right, Klea was gone, but she would remain in his heart forever.
The End.
Look for the final installment of this Series.
When My World Crumbles.
